November is National Diabetes Awareness Month – Are You at Risk?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s blood glucose levels are too high. This glucose or sugar comes from the foods we eat and normally the hormone insulin helps transfer this glucose from the blood to our cells to be used for energy. Prolonged high levels of glucose can lead to a myriad of issues in the eyes, kidneys, limbs, and nerves. It can cause heart disease and strokes.

Type 1 – Most common in children and young adults. The body does not produce the hormone insulin and requires management using administered insulin, a diabetic diet and exercise.

Type 2 – Much more common and once only in older, overweight adults is now very prevalent in younger adults and kids too. With a genetic propensity, lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, and lack of exercise will increase a person’s risk. The body’s insulin receptors are less sensitive or do not recognize insulin hormone, therefore, glucose levels remain high in the blood. Management focuses primarily on improving poor lifestyle habits through weight loss, increased exercise and adhering to a diabetic diet. If these are not affective then oral and injectable meds are required.

Pre-diabetes and Gestational Diabetes are two other subtypes of diabetes.

Take this quick online test to determine if you may be at risk for Diabetes.

BOTTOM LINE:

Your best defense against Diabetes is maintaining a healthy weight and BMI, partaking in regular exercise and good nutrition.